Useful Bible Studies > 2 Samuel Commentary > chapter 11
Long before David, there was a king in Jerusalem, Melchizedek, who ruled in a good, right and holy manner (Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7:1-4). However, afterwards the rulers and the original inhabitants of the country became more wicked than ever (Genesis 15:16). That was why God handed over their land to Israel’s people (Deuteronomy 9:1-5). However, some of the people from those original nations remained there.
Among those people, there were certain people, at the time of David, who strongly desired good and right government. They wanted peace in their region, and freedom from cruel and wicked leaders. So, they approved very much when they saw David’s kind and sincere attitudes. They became loyal to David and to Israel’s God. They trained for war, because Israel’s army would have to fight against many evil nations with their wicked rulers.
So, we read about foreign soldiers who supported David, from Gath in Philistia (15:19-22). We read about a man called Zelek who came from Ammon (23:37). However, one of David’s best soldiers came from the people called Hittites, who were among the original inhabitants of the land. He was Uriah (23:39). He had married a woman from Israel called Bathsheba, and they lived in Jerusalem. It was this woman, Bathsheba, whom David had seen. However, Uriah was not at home. He was fighting with Israel’s army against Ammon. He was not expecting to return home for several months. So Bathsheba was alone.
Next part: David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:4-5)
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